King Magazine Fall 2018

MAGAZINE FALL 2018

King recognizes distinguished alumnus Charles E. James Sr. '71 Page 14

The KING Magazine is published by the King University Marketing & Communications Department in the Advancement Office.

1350 King College Rd., Bristol, TN 37620 800.621.5464 | www.king.edu Letters & comments can be sent to: DENISE ASBURY dasbury@king.edu ALEXANDER W. WHITAKER IV President

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DENISE ASBURY Director or Development

Our Mission

Our Vision

We prepare students in our Christian academic community to excel as thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible citizens with a passion for serving God, the Church, and the world.

We accomplish this through excellent teaching, high expectations, worthwhile example, and fidelity to our Presbyterian heritage. Our mission is the same for all campuses and sites; for online learning; and for all programs, curricular and extracurricular, graduate and undergraduate.

We aim to be the preeminent small to medium-sized Christian university in the Upper South, with a reputation earned there and beyond as a school serious about its Christian commitment, focused on student success, dedicated to academic excellence, and successful in producing graduates who excel wherever they live, work, and serve.

Features A T REAS U RE IN K I N G’S C ROW N 8 Employed at King since 1952, and still going strong, King University celebrates Jewel Bell and her 66 years of service to the King University community.

S I ON F OR K I N G: 10 PAS S IX R E T IR E E S R E F LE C T O N T HE IR T IM E AT K IN G

Six of King’s finest retired in 2017. Each one shares stories and memories from his or her time serving King University.

TO R N A D O H I G H L I G H T S 20

Keep up with the Doi sisters, King’s twin tornadoes, and read about Mitch Stophel’s dreams and the MLB draft.

P OW E R E D B Y G I R L S 25

The King University Women in STEM Club shares a wealth of knowledge at STEM Day for Girls.

E SC R I P TI O N F O R SUC C E SS: 26 P RLAURIE PEERY ’08

T IN GU IS HED ALU M NUS: 14 D ICSHA R LE S E . JA M E S , S R . ’ 71

ALL ROAD S LEAD TO K I N G 18 Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends celebrated Spirit Week and the 92nd Dogwood Homecoming Week, April 2–8.

From pharmacist to clinical advisor and advocate for curbing prescription drug abuse, Laurie Peery shares her love of a career for which she didn’t originally plan.

VI N G B AC K – PAY I N G I T F O RWA R D: 28 G IPH Y L SN APP ’68

Phyl Snapp, building on his family farming legacy, uses his knowledge to enrich the land and lives of others.

Alexander W. Whitaker IV, president of King University

We prepare students in our Christian academic community to excel as thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible citizens with a passion for serving God, the Church, and the world.

We accomplish this through excellent teaching, high expectations, worthwhile example, and fidelity to our Presbyterian heritage. Our mission is the same for all campuses and sites; for online learning; and for all programs, curricular and extracurricular, graduate and undergraduate.

—King University Mission statement

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What makes King different? I am asked this question frequently by prospective students and parents and by others who may not have been familiar with King. In the minds of most people there exists an image of a generic college or university, so how King diverges from that is what most interests those who show interest in the school. When they ask what is different about King, they are actually asking what our mission is, and how it is distinct. In a nation with so many different colleges and universities, it is an entirely appropriate thing to ask.

I have led and been involved in many strategic planning processes through the years. And sometimes the most effective way to identify the distinctiveness of an organization is to ask what would be missing if it did not exist. How would the lives of those served be diminished? What is it that the organization does—and does so well—that it cannot be replicated, effectively or at all? What is it about our mission and how we accomplish it that makes us truly irreplaceable?

Thinking of mission in this way helps sharpen appreciation of all the good things we do—and can do better than others.

A mission statement is simply a statement of what unique and irreplaceable thing we are sent here to do— the root of the word mission coming from the Latin verb to send—that which no one else can do as well. A really good mission statement captures succinctly the what, how, and why of an institution.

Crafting a new mission statement in our re-accreditation year Within higher education, having an appropriate and effective mission statement is an accreditation requirement. Our regional accrediting body, SACSCOC, mandates we have a clearly defined, comprehensive, and published mission statement.

As King this year entered our every-ten-year reaffirmation process for accreditation, it became clear that the school’s then-existing mission statement— though it had notable strengths—needed to be improved. While it spoke concisely to meaningful

Alexander W. Whitaker IV, J.D. achievement and transforming the culture through Christ, it did not mention students or the academic enterprise or excellence. Because it was focused on something far off and unmeasurable—a transformed culture—it did not yield itself to criteria that would guide what we do on a day-to-day basis. It could in fact have been a mission statement for all sorts of organizations other than a university. We knew it was time to construct a new mission statement.

At the same time, it was equally important to reinforce that a new mission statement did not mean King had a new mission. Indeed, King’s mission has been remarkably constant through its 151-year history—one even more concisely captured in our motto, Ecclesiae et Litteris (for the church and for learning). A new mission statement simply meant a new articulation of that mission that was suitable to today’s context, one that could convey effectively to all of our constituencies what we do, how we do it, and what we aim to accomplish.

Done properly, the statement would resonate as true and authentic with those who have known King the best across the decades and today.

Over several months we involved representatives from all those constituencies in constructing a revised mission statement: students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and friends. Each word was chosen carefully. Everyone worked hard to keep the statement focused on the essence of what King does, across the institution. The result of that work was a new mission statement (left) that the board of trustees approved. It was not only a critical undertaking for accreditation purposes, but was also a much-needed opportunity for us all to discuss what King is and should be and where our focus needed to be.

We are committed to having this mission statement guide all we do. Toward that end, we had a convocation to discuss what it means, not only in its aspirations, but also in how it manifests itself day to day. We published a small booklet for everyone who studies and works here, “Who We Are and What We Do” that parses the words of the statement and gives examples of how it is

lived out in practical terms. We have also shared these booklets with alumni at Dogwood and with friends, as they show powerfully what gifts to King are helping to accomplish.

A student-focused mission statement The statement has two parts: the actual mission statement—a single sentence—and then two subsidiary sentences that describe the distinctive strengths we have at King that help us achieve the mission and that make clear the mission applies across all of our programs.

(This last sentence addresses King’s various sites and types of classes.)

I encourage you to join with the campus community in thinking about this statement and what it means.

I’ll highlight here some important aspects of the main statement.

First, it is focused on students. The core activity in the statement is simply put: “We prepare students.”

Students (missing from the earlier statement) are our sole focus and object of our energies. And we are not only engaging them for the moment, but shaping them in anticipation of their lives beyond King.

Second, the place we do this (whether on-campus or online) is a particular type of place: a community that is both Christian and academic. Being more than a school, but a community, implies different sorts of relationships and interdependence and obligations than were we merely a place of instruction. And by emphasizing being both Christian and academic, we make plain that we see these two not in contradiction but as equally important to the work we do developing students.

Third, we want our students to excel. We want more than their matriculation and attendance, more than their getting good grades in their classes or wins in their sports. We want a habit of excellence to mark all they do, not only at King but throughout their lives.

Excellence has been a hallmark of King graduates since the beginning and must continue to be so.

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O ur M ission , O ur M essage Fourth, we want our students to become citizens of a particular sort. By emphasizing their citizenship, we remind ourselves that we are preparing them to be members of larger civic communities when they depart: we are not simply aiming to make them better as individuals, but as contributors to society. And we have identified three critical attributes we believe can ensure their success and set them apart: • Being thoughtful—that is, thinking deeply about ideas, about the world around them, and about others. Being thoughtful yields inquisitiveness, curiosity, tolerance, understanding, and civility.

• Being resourceful—learning to solve problems and gaining the skills and resources necessary to do so, while working cooperatively with others. This translates into initiative, risk-taking, creativity, teamwork, and (through both success and failure) greater confidence.

• Being responsible—taking ownership for one’s actions and their consequences, individually and in community. This produces graduates who do not blame others for their shortcomings, who do not make excuses, and who see their roles as ones of action, initiative, accountability, and stewardship.

Finally, we want our students to develop a reflexive passion for service—to God, to God’s people (the Church in its broadest sense), and to the greater world.

We want them to think outside themselves and always seek not to be served, but to serve.

Who We Are & What We Do

can be viewed at www.king.edu/about/mission-vision.aspx

(continued)

Making the mission a reality Already this statement is guiding decisions at the college, in matters large and small. We ask, for example, does a particular action teach the student to be responsible or not? Are we helping a student become resourceful if we do something for the student instead of having the student figure it out? The statement guides our conduct as faculty, staff, and administrators, too, as we are reminded (the “worthwhile example” part of the statement) that in all we do we are modeling behavior for our students.

If these attributes strike you as out of sync with the current culture and with other universities—well, that’s the point. King is different, and always has been. And if King is to survive and be true to itself, it needs to offer students and the greater world we serve a wholeperson education better than that at other schools—with graduates who have been formed in a way that makes them the best employees, superb team players, and great leaders who serve selflessly.

It takes more to make this sort of education happen, however, than a mission statement—no matter how well articulated and fully committed to it everyone on campus may be. As it has from King’s beginnings, it takes resources beyond tuition dollars to hire the sort of faculty and staff who share these values, and to fund the scholarships and facilities that will attract the sort of students best suited for this sort of preparation.

In short, this is not a mission simply for those at our campuses, but one that must be shared by the greater community of King alumni and friends as well.

With that steadfast passion and support, we can continue to do this vital work God has sent us to do, and do it well. Our students deserve no less.

Sincerely,

Alexander W. Whitaker IV, J.D. President

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Brent E. Davison Named Vice President for Advancement Following a nationwide search, King University has named Brent E. Davison Vice President for Advancement. Davison assumed his new role in January.

Davison is leading a comprehensive advancement program consisting of fundraising, alumni relations, and marketing efforts to help strengthen King’s relationships with key constituencies. He comes to King with more than two decades of leadership, strategic planning, and institutional advancement experience gained through work at both private and public organizations.

“We are delighted to have Brent Davison as a member of the King community,” said Alexander Whitaker, president. “He brings a successful track record in university philanthropy, along with experience and skills that are well suited to support our academic, capital, and alumni engagement initiatives. He is a valuable member of our leadership team as we advance King’s mission of preparing students to excel as thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible citizens with a passion for serving God, the Church, and the world.”

“There is a rich history of philanthropy and servant leadership at King, and I am honored to be a part of the University community.”

—Brent E. Davison, Vice President for Advancement

Your online alumni community resource!

Brent E. Davison Vice President for Advancement

Davison most recently served as Chief Foundation Officer of the American Quarter Horse Foundation in Amarillo, Texas. He also served as Vice President for Advancement at the University of North Texas, where he directed the execution of a $203 million comprehensive capital campaign, secured more than $120 million in planned gifts, and led the highest level of annual gift production in the school’s history.

In addition, he served as Vice President for Development at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he led a $60 million comprehensive campaign, produced an 88 percent increase in the President’s Leadership Circle, and secured more than 500 multi-year giving commitments during his five-year tenure. Davison has also managed development operations for the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and the World Golf Foundation.

“There is a rich history of philanthropy and servant leadership at King, and I am honored to be a part of the University community,” said Davison. “I am excited to work with President Whitaker as we engage alumni, donors, and community leaders in moving King University toward our vision of becoming the preeminent small to medium-sized Christian university in the Upper South.”

Davison graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1984 from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, where he was named outstanding graduate in the School of Business.

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A TREASURE in King’s Crown

For 66 years, King University in Bristol, Tennessee, has had a treasure in its crown. Fittingly, her name is Jewel.

Enter through the front door of the King Building, which houses the library and administrative offices, and you’ll find Jewel Bell peering over her desk, likely smiling.

Don’t be deceived. Come to see the president without an appointment? She’ll be pleased as punch to make a first-time acquaintance, or thoroughly delighted to see you if you’re an old friend — but nobody gets into the president’s office without her approval.

In truth, not much gets past this 88-year-old executive administrative assistant for communications.

Throughout her life, she has navigated personal and professional challenges with a generous and dignified heart, the kind of spirit often recognized by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award. The award honors those who demonstrate excellence of character and service to community. Jewel was nominated for and received the award in 1980, and since then, has continued to exemplify its principles by constantly uplifting others.

Last year, King University celebrated its 150th anniversary, along with the inauguration of a new president, Alexander Whitaker. Whitaker is the ninth president Jewel has welcomed to campus, and she notes, “He says I’m like sunshine to him.”

In true Jewel form, however, she has made it known that the present location of her desk — a spot she’s occupied since 1990, following some contentious moving around — is where she’d like it to stay. “I said if you all move me again, I’m just going to roll on out of here like a basketball.”

From Maid to Matriarch Jewel’s strong work ethic was instilled in her by her mother, Hattie Howard, who worked for 89 of her 95 years. Jewel herself started her first job at age 11, babysitting. She began her career at King in September 8 | KING MAGAZINE

of 1952 as a temporary maid in Bristol Hall, which at the time was a women’s dormitory.

That initial, two-week job became permanent, following an offer by then-president R.T.L. Liston. When a new telephone switchboard was installed on the campus in 1961 — in the midst of that era’s civil rights movement — Jewel was asked to take charge of it.

“In 1961, several men came to campus to oversee the finalization of the switchboard,” she said. “When they finished, their supervisor asked the dean of women who would be operating it. She told him I would. He looked over at me in surprise and said, ‘We don’t have negroes operating switchboards.’ She told him, ‘Mrs. Bell will not only be an operator, she will be a supervisor. We are a private Christian institution, so we do as we please.’

And that was that!”

After training on the switchboard with the United Telephone Company, Jewel moved to Parks Hall, the college’s new women’s dorm, where she served as the supervisor for both the switchboard and the building.

Her understanding of King and the Bristol community, as well as her prime location in the dorm’s lobby, offered her the opportunity to interact with — and keep an eye on — King’s students. At the same time, as she worked to raise her own young children, she became mother and mentor to dozens more, offering comfort and guidance where needed.

Throughout her tenure, the world has seen numerous changes and upheavals. But Jewel’s steadfast attitude and loving heart have remained steady. Today, she has three grown children, seven grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She can also claim thousands of students who have come to her for advice, assistance, support, and encouragement.

The stories are all consistent: graduates from all King

eras come back to celebrate Jewel. Rarely does a day pass by without her receiving a visit or a call from an alumnus eager to share news, seek counsel, get a hug, or simply hear her voice.

“Last year, the students who graduated in 1958 returned for Dogwood Weekend and invited me to attend the dinner with them,” she said. “They felt like I was a part of their class. Although I couldn’t attend classes in those days, the girls who worked for me on the switchboard and the kids all treated me as if I was the same. One precious young man who’s now a lawyer came back and gave me a hug. He told me, ‘I wanted you to go to class with us.’ I didn’t know that. You never know what’s in someone’s heart.”

Although Jewel never participated in classes at King, in 1966 her son, Lawrence Jr., became one of the first African-American students to attend.

“Whatever problems the students have had over the years, I’ve tried to help them,” she said. “One girl locked her keys in her car and called me at midnight. I took care of that. Another young woman who worked for me became pregnant and needed maternity clothes. I took care of that. A brand-new freshman took the bus all the way from Florida to come to King. He arrived at midnight with no way to get to campus and called our answering service. The call came to me and I took care of that, too. He told me, ‘I’d never been to Bristol and I don’t know if I’d have made it here without you!’

“Today, I was on the phone with a young lady who was just calling to talk. When she graduated a couple years ago, she wrote in bold letters on her cap: ‘Mom, Dad and Jewel,’ and her parents sent me a letter thanking me for taking care of their daughter … I think it’s important to give back to your community and be a mother to other kids, not just your own. I’ve tried to make a difference in the lives of others.”

A Lifetime of Service from a Tennessee Colonel The King community, along with residents of the region, can attest to the positive difference Jewel makes. For decades she has devoted her time and efforts to the American Red Cross, the Slater Community Center,

and has worked at Healing Hands Health Center since the clinic first opened its doors. She has served on the YWCA Bristol’s board of directors since the 1960s, lending her voice and the strength of her experience to the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism. While her children were in school she served on the PTA and was the first African-American PTA council president. She is a longtime member of Lee Street Baptist Church.

Her unwavering dedication to King’s students, along with her longstanding devotion to her work, have earned her multiple awards. In addition to the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, she is an honoree of the YWCA’s Tribute to Women Program, has a lane on the King campus named after her, and was honored with the establishment of the Jewel H. Bell scholarship in 2007. The scholarship goes to help students who, as she describes it, “have fallen through the cracks and need a little extra help to stay in school,” a purpose that’s dear to her heart.

Most recently, she received the university’s firstever Lifetime Service Award, presented during alumni weekend in spring 2017. At the same time she was also declared an Aide-de-Camp by Gov. Bill Haslam, an honor that carries with it the title of Tennessee Colonel.

President Whitaker, who before his career in higher education was an active-duty Navy captain, says Jewel outranks him. “She is senior to us all in years and stature and in the affection with which she is held,” he said. “Jewel Bell is the one person who more than any other — including the president — represents the university to its students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the community.”

A Legacy of Love As King enters its 151st year, Jewel continues to serve as a guiding voice for the students, faculty, and administration alike.

“To see where this school started and where we are today, it’s mesmerizing,” she said. “We have had so many moments of rich history and we are truly blessed to have come this far.”

Her mission of caring for others remains as strong as ever, and she’s grateful for the community that cares for her in return. “My husband, Lawrence, and I were married for 50 years until his death,” Jewel said. “My own children left years ago to pursue their careers, but this is still my home and the students are my family. . .

I feel like God has enabled me to be here so long because of them, and I believe I’ve made an impact.” K FALL 2018 | 9

PASSION FOR KING The Reflections of Six Retirees At King University, it’s not unusual to hear a student or alumnus give credit to a particular faculty or staff member for his or her influence, mentorship, guidance, or support. King is well known for the caring attitudes of its faculty and staff — and many students and alumni have attested to the fact that this particular attribute fosters a genuine sense of community, serves as a key distinguishing characteristic of the University, and sets it apart as a Christian place of the mind.

King is proud to pay tribute to six colleagues who retired during the 2017–18 academic year, including:

Cara Anderson, Ph.D. Dean of the School of Education

Cara Anderson's career at King began as a student in 1978. Immediately following her graduation in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin and Greek, she began a teaching position in King’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, thanks to the help of Jewel Bell, the University’s executive administrative assistant for communications.

Over the next seven years, Anderson continued to work in the ESOL program while also pursuing a Master of Arts degree in literature from Virginia Tech.

After taking a one-year hiatus to finish her degree, she returned to the ESOL program, serving as director for 10 years until she joined King’s School of Education.

“I also began working on a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Cultural Studies in Educational Foundations from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville,” Anderson said. “I ended my 35-year career as dean of the King University School of Education. I liked King so much that I never left!”

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She joked that a professor once called her the “poster child” for it.

When asked what King has meant to her, Anderson said she believes the University is a place where everyone shares an enormous commitment to help students understand and accept responsibility for the lives they choose to lead, including the roles they play in their community.

“At King, we try to help students understand that they don’t live in a sheltered place,” Anderson said. "We live in world that is vibrant, and we are all responsible to not only pay attention to what is going on in our own lives, but also to what is happening in the lives of citizens across the United States and around the world. I hope we prepare students to understand their role and responsibility not just to themselves, and not just to their families and communities, but also to the people they see around them who need help.

“King’s faculty and staff also make a point to show through our own lives that having a strong spiritual guidance, with God in the forefront, helps us understand how to navigate the roles we have and the problems we face. It also highlights our responsibility to not only make a difference in someone else’s life, but to pay attention to the needs of those who have challenges we can’t even imagine.”

“I liked King so much that I never left!”

—Cara Anderson Anderson credits the passion, resilience, grit, and determination of her colleagues in the School of Education for leaving a strong impression on her life.

“They know what is right, they know what to do, and they know how to teach,” she said. “I marveled at being able to work with them.”

Betty Curtis King library technical services manager

Betty Curtis joined King in August 1984, serving as an evening and weekend circulation supervisor, a cataloging specialist, and, most recently, a technical services manager for the E.W. King Library.

“I consider my time spent there a ministry and a part of King’s work for the Kingdom — ongoing it seems.”

—Betty Curtis Some of her fondest memories include when she was given more opportunities to interact with students and student employees.

“King was, and is, a significant part of my life,” Curtis said. “I consider my time spent there a ministry and a part of King's work for the Kingdom — ongoing it seems.

As part of my retirement, I am volunteering eight-plus hours per week to do part of my previous job. This helps the remaining library staff keep new, purchased items flowing to library users.”

Craig McDonald, Ph.D. Professor of English

Craig McDonald began working as an English professor at King in the summer of 1982. In 1993, he left the University to become the head of school at Sullins Academy, an independent day school serving preschool, elementary, and middle school students in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. He returned to King in August 1995, when he began teaching courses on composition and British literature, including Shakespeare and the medieval and Renaissance periods.

He retired in 2017 after more than three decades of service to King.

When asked what King has meant to him, McDonald said it would be extremely hard, if not impossible, to single out a favorite memory.

“As soon as I began to think of a favorite recollection, the face of another colleague or student would appear and vie for that distinction,” McDonald said. “King, for me, is the people — students, faculty, and staff — whom I have had the honor, the pleasure, and even the difficulty of working with. Dr. Liston was right in more ways than he might have imagined: ‘King is a place of the mind.’ But, for me, it occupies a place in my mind, imagination, and memory.”

McDonald is especially proud of three former students: Karen Shaw, Brandon Story, and Laura Hicks Hardy.

“Karen, Brandon, and Laura … left a strong impression on me,” he said. “Through reading one of Karen’s papers in freshman composition about the significance of windows in the film, Educating Rita, and traveling with her and some of her classmates to England and Scotland; through reading Shakespeare with Brandon and playing music with his group, the Gentile Groove Band; through watching Laura’s honors project on marriage in the work of Wendell Berry unfold and blossom … even as students, they were teaching me. When they went on to become my colleagues, my respect, love, and — I’ll confess — awe only grew.”

“Dr. Liston was right in more ways than he might have imagined: ‘King is a place of the mind.’ But, for me, it occupies a place in my mind, imagination, and memory.”

—Craig McDonald Erin Kingsley, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, was also noted for her strong influence on McDonald.

“Just a few years ago, Erin came as the ‘new blood’ in the department,” McDonald said. “She was already committed to the essential values of King — intellectual passion and devotion to her students, both informed by her commitment to the Lord Jesus — yet she has brought to King her own gifts, drive, and wisdom. In a short time, as I had the privilege to watch her teach and as we talked over coffee, she took her place with the others as someone I have come to respect, love, and revere.”

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PASSION FOR KING continued from page 11

Michele Fagan Executive Assistant

A native of Taiwan, Michele Yuchi Chu Fagan began working as an executive secretary for Intercultural Studies on June 1, 2000.

“Dr. Errol Rohr hired me,” Fagan said. “We were responsible for chapel services and convocations; from day one until I retired, I assisted with them. I also helped plan all of the mission trips and conferences. I loved the trips to so many countries. At the World Focus Week conference, we invited all missionaries from the Southeast area. Probably 30 to 40 missionaries stayed on campus — in Tadlock-Wallace, and in Parks, Liston and Mitchell Halls.”

“I want to thank the Lord for giving me this wonderful job.

King is a truly special place.”

—Michele Fagan While at King, Fagan worked with four chaplains: Dr. Errol Rohr, Dr. Dave Welch, Dr. Fred Foy Strang, and Dr. Brian Alderman. She collaborated on workshops with Dan Fountain, former director of King’s global health training program. Fagan felt fortunate to have also worked with the late Dale Brown on the Buechner Institute, now known as the Institute for Faith and Culture.

“My favorite memory from King was the dedication of the Peeke School of Christian Mission,” Fagan said.

“During the ceremony, several people said prayers in different languages; I said a prayer in Chinese/Mandarin.

As you know, King College named the school for Dr. Catherine Peeke ’47. Peeke had been a missionary in Ecuador for more than 30 years. Do you remember the very famous incident in Ecuador of the Waodani tribe that killed the five missionaries? Tribe member and participant in the incident, Mincaye Enqueri, attended the dedication. It was such a unique experience. I remember when he came in, he laid down on our green couch and took a nap. It was just so unique.”

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Fagan said even now that she is retired, she still misses King. “I miss it because I loved my job so much — working at King, all the beauty, the wonderful faculty and people I worked with. It wasn’t like working for a corporation; it was different. I loved coordinating with so many different people in different countries, all the speakers. I want to thank the Lord for giving me this wonderful job. King is a truly special place.”

Donna Felty Director of Career Development

Donna Felty's career at King began in August 1987, when she began working for the Department of Education and the Department of Athletics.

Three years later, a position in the Office of the Registrar became available, and Felty was hired for the job. She worked in that position for 10 years before King’s former president, Greg Jordan, asked her to be his assistant.

“I worked for him for five years, but missed interaction with the students, so when there was an opening in the Office of Student Affairs for a director of career development, I jumped at the chance,” Felty said.

“That is where I spent the last 13 years. That was my most fulfilling job — working with both students and employers, and helping make great internship and employment opportunities.”

“King also has the reputation of a caring community, which I have experienced personally. My friends at King have helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life, and I thank God every day for the very special friendships I have been blessed to have.”

—Donna Felty

Student achievement has always stood out to Felty.

“I grew up in Bristol, where King had an outstanding reputation for excellence in academics,” she said.

“When I started working at King and began to know professors such as Craig McDonald, Katie Vande Brake, Charlie Owens, Simeon Pickard, and so many more, I understood where that excellence originated. King also has the reputation of a caring community, which I have experienced personally. My friends at King have helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life, and I thank God every day for the very special friendships I have been blessed to have.”

While Felty believes her special memories of King University are far too numerous to detail, she noted laughter and tears are combined in many of them.

“I also treasure the memories of learning about the successes of so many King graduates, many of whom have stayed in touch through the years,” Felty said. “I enjoyed watching numerous athletic competitions, and admiring the athletic and academic accomplishments of the students. I hope to enjoy many more of these competitions in my retirement.”

Katie Vande Brake, Ph.D. Dean of Academic Programs

Katie Vande Brake began teaching at King College as an adjunct professor in the summer of 1980. Her first course was freshman composition. Prior to joining King, she taught freshman courses at Central Michigan University, and she also instructed middle school language arts classes. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English from Michigan State University.

Vande Brake moved to Bristol in 1979 after her husband accepted a position to teach philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religion.

“I saw myself primarily as a wife and mother,” she said. “By that time, I had taught for a total of 10 years, so vocationally, I was a teacher — but home and hearth were my passion.

“My husband's motorcycle wreck in March of 1983 essentially fired me from any support role I thought I

had as homemaker and helper for my husband and sons.

In the twinkling of an eye, I became the breadwinner, decision-maker, spiritual role model, and a professional college professor.”

“I would have to say that King changed me from an adjunct teacher of composition to a college administrator, from an aspiring writer to a published author, and from a private, home-focused wife and mother to a public person.”

—Katie Vande Brake

Throughout her career at King, Vande Brake served as the director of ESOL, the coordinator of summer camps and conferences, including the Great Escape, a youth summer conference, and a leader of new student orientation.

“In the 90s I moved to the English Department and discovered that I liked computer technology,” she said. “King's president volunteered my services for an Appalachian College Association project called ‘Writing Across the Curriculum with Technology.’ That gig took me to Michigan Tech for an exciting summer workshop called ‘Computers in Writing Intensive Classrooms,’ and, as they say, the rest is history. I went on to complete my Ph.D. at Michigan Technological University. My application essay became my first book, and my dissertation my second.”

Prior to receiving her doctoral degree, Vande Brake was named Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences at King University, a role she held for seven years. In 2013, she joined the Office of Academic Affairs as Dean of Academic Programs.

Vande Brake said some of her fondest memories at King University include the creation of the ESOL program.

She also enjoyed teaching a 20th century American literature course, because it offered the opportunity to share the excitement of reading the works of Nobel prize-winning authors. An additional fond memory was shepherding a proposal that required the undergraduate Foundations of Christian Thought and Practice course to focus on a Christian world view, which aligns with the Christian faith commitment that is outlined in the university’s Mission and Vision. K FALL 2018 | 13

Di s t i n g u i s h e d Alum nus o f the Ye ar:

C h a rle s E .

J a mes Sr.

’ 71

Charles E. James Sr. ’71 has spent his life making a difference.

The impact of his dedication to ensuring and preserving the rights of all people has spanned across two careers — the first in the private sector and the second in government service.

James participated in the first wave of Virginia public school integration following the historic U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954.

Following his graduation from King College in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in English, he embarked on a twodecade career in private industry that propelled him to the position of Equal Employment Opportunity Manager for Bell Atlantic in Arlington, Virginia (now Verizon).

Currently, James serves as the Director of the Departmental Office of Civil Rights for the U.S. Department of Transportation, a position to which he was appointed in June 2017. In this role, he works to promote equal employment opportunities in the recruitment, hiring, development, and retention of a highly skilled, public-centered workforce, and ensure equal access and compliance with external civil rights programs and services.

For more than 20 years prior to his appointment, James served in numerous government leadership positions for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He most recently served as Deputy Secretary of Administration and Director for Contract Compliance under Governor Bob McDonnell, where he oversaw Virginia’s minority and disadvantaged business certification operations and the utilization of a disparity study. In addition, he had oversight of the Virginia Human Rights agency and the Department of Human Resources Management, as 14 | KING MAGAZINE

well as the Virginia Department of Elections. James also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor in the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs during the administration of President George W. Bush.

James’ passion for equality is not confined to his professional life. He and his wife, Kay Coles James, are the co-founders of The Gloucester Institute, an organization which trains and nurtures college-aged leaders in the African American community. Founded in 2006 and incorporated in 2007, The Gloucester Institute is committed to providing an intellectually safe environment where ideas can be discussed and transformed into practical solutions that produce results.

Through The Gloucester Institute, James is particularly involved in the preservation of what was long known as the Robert Russa Moton Conference Center. This historic property became a think tank and resting place for civil rights leaders and black entertainers during the civil rights era, which included the years of massive resistance to racial integration in Virginia.

“The restorative work is focused on people, values, and buildings,” James said. “We emphasize the values that sustained blacks in post-enslavement America, identify and remediate gaps in significant soft skills for college-aged leaders, and support the execution

of programs that are tailored for our developing young leaders. My government service and private sector careers merge in this endeavor to support the next generation of leaders who will bravely forge new solutions for America’s problems.”

In addition, James supports Kay in her role as president of The Heritage Foundation, America’s premier conservative think tank, located in Washington, D.C. A leader in government, academia and the conservative movement, she has worked in the administrations of former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush, and former Virginia Governor George Allen; has accrued substantial experience in the field of education; and is passionate about serving the youth of America.

“In my spare time I support Kay, who became president of The Heritage Foundation in January 2018,” James said. “We are engaged in that together, and I

am commonly known as the ‘First Man.’ I am traveling and helping her through speaking, fundraising, and honoring other people at events in Washington, D.C., and around the country. We find people who are doing great things and try to elevate and support them. It is a great life to have.”

James is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Right to Life Committee, and is an ordained Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of America.

In April 2018, during King University’s Dogwood Homecoming Weekend, James received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award for 2018. The award recognizes James for his numerous contributions in the areas of college, church, and community, as well as his exemplification of the Christian faith, service, career, and scholarship.

“When I got the call [about the award], I was

continues on page 16

Legacy Award The Reverend Jack Dabney ’63 and his family were presented with the Legacy Award, which recognizes a family’s commitment to King, as well as a lifetime of service and achievement. Nine Dabney family members have attended King, and an additional member plans to attend.

Jack and his late wife, Susan, have nine children, 31 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Five of their eight daughters attended King, and each of them is passing on a beautifully modeled legacy of Christian love and service.

• Jenna Dabney Dalessandra ’88 and her husband, Brian, live in Florida. She works for Embassy Suites by Hilton in West Palm Beach. Her 32 nieces and nephews call her Aunt Fave, and she loves to spoil them all.

A L U M N I AWA R D S • Hannah Dabney Ayers ’91 is Marian’s twin sister. She married Kevin Ayers, who attended King from ’86 –’89. They live in Bryan, Texas, and have five children.

Daughter Anna-Kate Ayers ’22 is a current freshman at King.

• Esther Dabney Kerr ’95 married Rich Kerr ’94. She is a children’s minister at her church and is a counselor at Willow Springs Boys Ranch in Chandler, Oklahoma. They have four children.

• Wyndi Dabney Bradley ’90 lives in Yukon, Oklahoma, with her husband Bryan. She began working at King’s Gate Christian School in 1996 and was named the head administrator in 2003. Their daughter, and her family, live in Florida.

• Marian Dabney Coleman ’91 married Wade Coleman ’89. After graduation she served as a Resident Assistant and an assistant volleyball coach at King for several years. During this time, he served on staff at Edgemont Presbyterian Church in Bristol. They now live in Bryan, Texas, where he is the teaching pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church and she coaches a middle school volleyball team. They have five children.

The Reverend Jack Dabney ’63 and his family.

FALL 2018 | 15

overjoyed and surprised,” James said. “I go to a lot of awards programs in my line of work and present a lot of awards to other people, but I never saw myself as an awardee. My wife told me, ‘You don’t see yourself receiving awards because when something needs to be done, you just do it. That is how you get things done — by answering the call to duty through sacrifice.’ All the seemingly independent choices Kay and I made over the years pointed in one direction, and somebody else saw the pattern of the choices and said, ‘That is worthy of an award.’ I was very happy to receive this award. It has a place of honor in our Arlington apartment, and will eventually rest in our home in Richmond.”

James believes his alma mater played a significant role in the direction of his life’s path.

“What King University gives you is revealed to you later throughout your life in large, small, and sometimes surprising, ways.”

—Charles E. James Sr. ’71

“Dr. R.T.L. Liston, who was the president of King College at the time, knocked on my parents’ front door one evening and asked for me,” James said. “Neither my parents nor I knew who he was, but we invited him in and he made a pitch for me to come to King. While I had heard of Bristol Tennessee – Virginia, I had not heard of King College. I had thought I was headed off to some big university, but I decided to go to King instead.

“Fundamentally, I received a Christian education that recognized who we are as people and who God is,” James said. “I cannot say I fully appreciated that at the time; however, it was at King where I was exposed to information that led to me becoming a Christian. I came from a Christian home and was a preacher’s kid, but being born in a garage doesn’t make you a car.

Professor Inez Morton was very instrumental in my life from a personal, spiritual perspective. She had us read, ‘The God Who is There’ by Francis A. Schaeffer, which helped me put things together and led me to confess Jesus Christ as Lord.”

James credits his life to the mindfulness, might, and mercy of God, including a God-provided life partner, so that they may walk together into the good things prepared for them. He and Kay continue a family legacy of personal development and positive social action.

16 | KING MAGAZINE

“King College was a transition for me from a family of warriors to a college family that trained warriors,” James said. “The education I received at King allowed me to go into corporate America and into the political arena and succeed. I got a worldview that shaped my life, and that worldview led me to action, to risks, and sometimes to places where others did not want to go. I also made some dear friends at King. I can’t put a price tag on the value of that. In looking back, I think it was God’s plan all along for me to go to King so I can do what I do today.”

As a speaker for King’s Institute for Faith and Culture 2016–17 Lecture Series, James challenged King students to make a choice. “Is your life, which is a dash between two dates on a tombstone, going to stand for something, or is it going to stand for nothing?” James said. “All you have is the dash. You can do nothing about the past; you can only affect the present and have an influence on the future.”

James echoes this same sentiment today, and shares this advice for King’s students and alumni: “What King University gives you is revealed to you later throughout your life in large, small, and sometimes surprising, ways.

It is an investment; you put a little bit in and stay with it, then over time it grows in value. Stick with it, it’s worth it, and you’ll be glad you did.” K

A L U M N I AWA R D S

Graduate & Professional Studies and Online Programs Award

Bobby Flowers ’18 earned the Graduate & Professional Studies and Online Programs Award

The Graduate & Professional Studies and Online Programs Award was presented to Bobby Flowers ’18 for his exemplification of King’s goals of excellence, achievement, and stewardship.

The award also recognizes Flowers’ outstanding contributions to his field and service to others. Flowers was awarded the coveted Patty Gibbs Wahlberg Social Work Scholarship, the top national award presented by the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, in March 2018.

Since 1979, he has spent his career working at WKPT-TV in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he currently serves as the station’s operations manager.

In addition to his work in television, Flowers serves as a chaplain for

Ballad Health System, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Volunteer Speedway.

Flowers supervises the monthly feeding of the homeless in Johnson City, Tennessee, at the Melting Pot, a part of Good Samaritan’s Ministries.

He is also active in his home church, Hosanna Fellowship in Johnson City, where he has numerous jobs including drummer for the praise and worship band. Flowers is licensed through his church to minister the Gospel.

“This whole ride has been an amazing blessing,” Flowers said.

“King has some incredible students.

I feel honored to be counted among them.”

Volunteer of the Year

The final award of the weekend was presented to Jim Casada ’64.

Casada was named Volunteer of the Year.

The final award of the weekend was presented to Jim Casada ’64. Casada, named Volunteer of the Year, was recognized for his furtherance of King’s mission through selfless giving of his time and talents. His love for and desire to see King become a premier academic university are evidenced by his many years of service as a volunteer and donor. Casada is a member of the Alumni Advisory Council and a regular guest lecturer in history and fly-fishing classes. He volunteered as an usher at the Josh

Turner concert, in conjunction with King's 150th Anniversary celebration and assisted with the kids' fishing tournament during Dogwood Homecoming Weekend. He taught history at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for 24 years before taking early retirement to work as a full-time freelance writer and photographer. Casada has won almost 200 craft awards for his writing and photography, and has written or edited more than 40 books.

FALL 2018 | 17

ALL ROADS LEAD TO KING Since 1926, alumni have returned to Bristol to gather and celebrate King during an annual celebration known as Dogwood Weekend. The annual celebration is a favorite among King’s alumni — who hail from 39 states, 25 countries, and six continents!

During 2018, King’s Office of Alumni Relations, along with a committee representing faculty, staff, alumni, and students, came together with the goal of reinvigorating this special weekend with a strong sense of home, family, and community for all of King’s constituents.

With this focus in mind, the group chose to rename the celebration Dogwood Homecoming Weekend.

“The theme for 2018 was ‘All Roads Lead to King,’” said Dana McMurray ’12, ’16, former director of Alumni Relations. “We chose this because even though our many alumni may not live near King now, their roots will always be here.”

Highlights during the 2018 Spirit Week and Dogwood Homecoming Weekend included:

• April 4 marked King’s 3rd Annual Give Day, which resulted in $21,615 donated by alumni and friends • Everyone got in the Charlie Brown spirit with Theatre’s rendition of “Snoopy: The Musical.”

• Members of the Class of 1968 were inducted into the 50+ Club during the Dr. Jack E. Snider Brunch.

• Students, faculty, and alumni had the opportunity to fellowship during the Majors Meet and Greet Receptions that took place around campus.

• King’s first Department Chili Cook-off, which was won by Micah Crews ’98, ’03, associate vice president for Advancement Services.

• At the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018 reception, the new inductees were announced — men’s track & field and basketball player Justin Seaver ’06, 1987 men’s soccer team, and the 1999 women’s volleyball team.

• A surprise-filled afternoon full of food and games, as students kicked off Spirit Week on April 2.

• Departments battled to see who had the most spirit during a campus-wide door decorating contest. Maclellan Hall emerged victorious.

• Students, faculty, and staff took their turns at the mic singing during Unplugged.

• The 2018 Homecoming Weekend concluded with the Dogwood Ball.

• The homecoming picnic was held in the recently renovated Dining Hall.

SAVE THE DATE 18 | KING MAGAZINE

Mark your calendars now for next year’s Dogwood Homecoming Weekend, April 12–14, 2019!

DOGWOOD HOMECOMING WEEKEND APRIL 12 –14, 2019

FALL 2018 | 19

2017-18 CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR TORNADO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS IN 2017–18 Just eight seasons after becoming NCAA Division II members, the King University men’s basketball team has qualified for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship a third time. The Tornado were the eighth seed in the tournament and faced the nation’s top-ranked team, the Lincoln Memorial University Railsplitters. While the contest was tied at halftime, the Tornado pulled away during the second half, leading to a 90-78 victory.

At the conclusion of their regular season, the men’s team also earned their third Conference Carolinas title, with a record of 14-6 in league play and a 19-10 record overall. King clinched the season title with a 102-98 victory against rival Lees-McRae College.

Jordan Floyd ’19 was named the Conference Carolinas Player of the Year, and was the first 20 | KING MAGAZINE

Conference Carolinas athlete in the last five years to be chosen by a unanimous decision. He was also a unanimous first team All-Conference selection. Je-Don Young ’19 and Mack Owens ’17, ’18 both garnered second team All-Conference honors for head coach George Pitts.

The King University women’s basketball team qualified for the Conference Carolinas Tournament title game for the third consecutive year. After a tough competition, the Tornado fell short to Barton College, 83-68. Kori West ’19 was named second team AllConference Carolinas after averaging 12.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game throughout the season. King concluded the season with a 17-13 overall record and a 12-8 Conference Carolinas tournament record. K

2017–18 KING UNIVERSITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS Team Accomplishments Cycling USA Cycling Division II Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships - 2nd

Softball Conference Carolinas Tournament Champions NCAA Southeast Regional Appearance

Men’s Basketball Conference Carolinas Regular Season Champions NCAA Southeast Regional Appearance

Conference Carolinas Messick Sportsmanship Awards Women’s Basketball Women’s Tennis Softball

Men’s Volleyball Conference Carolinas Regular Season Champions Conference Carolinas Tournament Champions NCAA Tournament Play-in Match Appearance

Individual Accomplishments National Champions Women’s Wrestling Regina Doi Cycling Fausto Crapiz - road (individual time trial)

All-Americans Women’s Wrestling Regina Doi (101, 1st), Marina Doi (101, 2nd), Aleeah Gould (109, 5th), Allison Petix (130, 7th), Nicole Joseph (136, 4th), Jessi Kee (155, 3rd), Victoria Espinoza (191, 8th) Men’s Wrestling Bryce Killian (141, 6th) Dustin Kirk (133, 8th)

KING TORNADO ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Region Awards Men’s Indoor Track & Field Adriel McPhee (USTFCCCA, 60 meter hurdles) Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Adriel McPhee (USTFCCCA, 110 meter hurdles) Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Kirstin Barton (USTFCCCA, 10,000 meters) Men’s Basketball Jordan Floyd - D2CCA first team Jordan Floyd - NABC second team Softball Hannah Riddle - NFCA first team Jenna Burnett - NFCA second team Hannah Riddle - D2CCA first team Jenna Burnett - D2CCA second team Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Marina Doi, Regina Doi (women’s wrestling) semifinalists

King University Athletics

@KingAthletics

kingathletics

FALL 2018 | 21

WINNING HEARTS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS

TORNADO

TWINS

For twins Marina and Regina Doi ’18, wrestling has brought a lifetime of opportunity, competition, relationships, and more. Their athletic careers began 18 years ago against each other and ended the same way earlier this year during the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) National Championship, held February 8–9 at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.

The duo was first introduced to the sport at four years of age by older brothers Sonny Garcia and Eugene Doi, Jr. Their eldest brother, Sam Garcia, has also supported and helped them throughout their careers.

While getting to the WCWA National Championship tournament was always their goal, it was not an easy feat, especially for Regina, who was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia several years ago. In 2016, she underwent her third cryoablation treatment to restore her heart to a normal rhythm. Although the treatment was initially deemed a success, the arrhythmia recurred a few months later.

In December 2018, a heart monitor was implanted in her chest. In order to wrestle at nationals, Regina had to find a way to protect the monitor — a challenging task in a contact sport.

“By the time I wrestled at nationals, I had two holes in my chest,” Regina said. “It was really painful to deal with that, so it kind of altered the way I wrestled. I tried to be a little more conservative and get through the matches fast.”

Fortunately, she was able to make it through the first two matches quickly with a pair of technical falls, taking only a total of two minutes. However, the next couple of matches to reach the finals were tough, each lasting the entire six minutes.

22 | KING MAGAZINE

“My quarterfinal and semifinal matches were a little more challenging, so I just had to push through it, grit my teeth, and keep going,” Regina said.

She ended up winning both matches, reaching the championship round for the second consecutive season.

On the other side of the bracket, Marina won her first three matches, allowing zero points to be awarded to her opponents, reaching the championship round for the fourth year in a row, and hoping to earn her third consecutive title.

“I thought about it for a while, but I didn’t tell anyone until Thursday morning when we were heading to the airport,” Marina said. “In our room, I told Regina, ‘If we make it to the finals, I don’t want to wrestle you — I want to forfeit.’”

Regina said she was shocked, especially knowing how badly Marina wanted the national title.

“After everything she had been through, I’d rather see Regina have a national title than try to pursue my third,” Marina said. “I knew something like that would give her a little extra push, especially since she had been in Coach (Jason) Moorman’s office the Monday before discussing whether or not she should compete in the tournament.

“It was about more than winning a national title.

There are a lot of things more important than winning.”

In the final match of the WCWA National Championship, only three people in the arena knew what was going to happen next — Marina, Regina, and Coach Moorman. Marina and Regina shook hands, got in their stances, and prepared to wrestle like every other match. What happened next, however, was vastly different — the sisters placed their shoes on the mat and left together, honoring one of the most revered traditions in wrestling — on retirement, competitors leave their shoes behind, signifying their final match.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the arena.

“It was such a fitting way to end their careers, both ending up in the finals, plus the surprise of Marina forfeiting to Regina,” said Eugene Doi, the twins’ father.

“It just shows how much of a bond they have and it was a perfect ending to their wrestling story — the competitions, anyway.”

Marina Doi aTwo-time WCWA national champion and runner-up aThree-time Cadet Pan American champion a2012 Cadet World champion a2013 Klippan Sweden Open Cadet champion a2014 Junior World bronze medalist

“I didn’t know how much of an impact we had on everyone until we got a standing ovation,” Regina said.

“My brother told me, ‘You know you guys are doing something right when you get a standing ovation from everyone and you can make everyone in the arena cry.’”

While the Doi family has experienced numerous championships, defeats, and struggles along the way, the WCWA National Championships will always serve as a reminder that love always wins.

Wrestling has provided the sisters with the opportunity to visit 14 countries, meet numerous people, and serve as training partners and roommates wherever they traveled. For Regina, wrestling has also helped her heart along the way.

“Wrestling has done tremendous things for us; I couldn’t imagine my life without wrestling,” said Regina.

“My doctor told me that if I wasn’t an athlete, my heart would be in worse condition. Being active and moving — my heart is getting stronger.”

Wrestling was, and always will be, a part of the Doi sisters. They may have retired their shoes, but both plan to stay involved with the sport going forward.

“We were each other’s first match, and it’s pretty neat that we were able to end our careers as each other’s last match,” said Marina.

This past spring, the Doi sisters graduated summa cum laude with 4.0 grade-point averages, and Bachelor of Science degrees in cell and molecular biology. K

Regina Doi aFour-time WCWA All-American; finished eighth and fifth in her first two seasons, and was a runner-up in 2017, and a national champion this season a2013 Cadet Pan American champion aCadet Silver World Medalist aKlippan Sweden Open Cadet champion a2014 and 2015 Junior Pan American Silver Medalist FALL 2018 | 23

DREAMS

AND THE

Former Tornado pitcher Mitch Stophel ’17 experienced the dream of a lifetime when the Chicago Cubs selected him in the First-Year Player Draft in June 2017. It was a major life goal for Stophel, who began pitching as a senior in high school.

“It was awesome — getting drafted,” Stophel said. “It was a dream come true. It was one of the best days of my life so far, along with getting engaged.”

Following the draft, Stophel was assigned to play for the Chicago Cubs rookie ball team, the Arizona League Cubs, where he helped the team win the Arizona League Championship. He ended the season with 12 appearances on the mound, throwing 15 and two-thirds innings. He went 1-0 on the season with one save and a 3.45 earned run average.

“It’s been great; I’ve loved every second in Arizona,” he continued. “We won a championship last year; it was the first championship I’ve ever been a part of. It was pretty awesome to win a championship in my first professional season.”

“I’m really happy that I decided to go to King and spend all four years there,” the Bristol, Tennessee, native said. “King means the world to me; it’s definitely a great place. It’s not a big Division I school, but that doesn’t matter because it’s at home and it is home. It means a lot to me; there are a lot of great people there.”

Stophel will always be grateful to King and Head Coach Blaine Brown along with former Assistant Coach Luke Howard. “They actually took a chance on me, so I’m thankful for that” Stophel said. “[Coach] Howard helped me with my mechanics, and helped get them close to where they needed to be. We had a good relationship.

He was really patient with me, since it took me four years to figure it out.”

24 | KING MAGAZINE

DRAFT

Stophel is the second Tornado drafted in the Major League Baseball draft, joining Dirk Kleinmann ’04, who was drafted in 2002 by the Toronto Blue Jays. Stophel is also the second Tornado to play professionally in the last five years, joining Cory Rhodes ’13, who signed with the Bristol Pirates in 2014.

“King means the world to me; it’s definitely a great place. It’s not a big Division I school, but that doesn’t matter because it’s at home and it is home. It means a lot to me; there are a lot of great people there.”

“It’s good for current players and past players to see someone playing professionally,” Stophel said. “I’m glad that I came from a small place. It makes me not take things for granted as much. It’s cool to be part of that and help the history of the baseball program at King.”

Stophel graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Security and Intelligence Studies. He said one of his favorite professors at King was Dr. Benjamin Tkach of King’s Department of Security and Intelligence Studies. Stophel’s fiancé, Erin Vermillion ’14, graduated with a degree in Elementary Education before earning her master’s in Deaf Education from Vanderbilt University.

Stophel returned to Arizona in March 2018 for his second season with the Arizona Cubs. K

S cience , Te chn o l o gy, E ngi neeri n g, M athe m ati c s

POWERED BY

GIRLS

King University’s Women in STEM Club hosted the first STEM Day for Girls on Saturday, February 24. A fastgrowing organization at King, the Women in STEM club promotes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as possible career paths among women of all ages.

Sonia Kennedy ’18 is a native of Abingdon, Virginia, and a senior at King majoring in Biology. She said, “We held the STEM Day for middle school girls as a way of encouraging young women to chase after their dreams in the [STEM] fields,” Kennedy said. “The day was intended to show them the interesting and fun sides of STEM and prove to them that girls can do it, too. I was amazed at how many of [the girls] already had plans to go into engineering, robotics, and computer technology.

The [STEM] fields definitely have a bright future with these girls involved.”

More than 70 middle school girls grades 5–7 hailing from Tazewell, Virginia, to Jonesborough, Tennessee, experienced everything from decoding secret messages through the use of cryptology to experimenting with safe chemical reactions, along with learning about genetic coding. Each student rotated through each of the three sessions.

During the summer of 2018, the club also hosted a camp for young women in grades 5–9 from the surrounding region. The STEMgineering camp was an action-packed week filled with activities that focused on Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Cryptology, Animation Software, Chess, Coding & Programming, Orienteering, and Statistical Analysis. The camp was held on King’s main campus from July 16–20. K

STEMgineering Camp • CHEMISTRY ENGINEERING BIOLOGY CRYPTOLOGY (CODE BREAKING)

KING MAIN CAMPUS ANIMATION SOFTWARE CODING/PROGRAMMING ORIENTEERING STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

FALL 2018 | 25

Prescription for Success:

LAURIE PEERY ’08

Bristol, Virginia, native Laurie Peery followed her brother, Larry ’05, to King University in 2004, with plans to become a teacher. With her major set as English, her plan was in place.

“I knew no matter what path I chose to go down, with King, I would have a great education,” Peery said.

“During my sophomore year, my uncle, who happens to be a pharmaceutical researcher, convinced me to give pharmacy a try. So, I got a part-time job at CVS Pharmacy as a technician. It was during my first week I had an earth-shattering moment. I saw the pharmacist take care of an Alzheimer’s patient who wandered in the pharmacy and didn’t know how he had gotten there. I witnessed a pharmacist making an impact on a patient level that impacted both them and their caretakers.

From that moment, I knew I had to change my major to Biology with the intent of becoming a pharmacist.”

In 2008, Peery graduated from King with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, then in August 2018, she started at Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) in Oakwood, Virginia, in an accelerated program and graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree three years later in 2011.

“Thinking back on the small, liberal arts education, 26 | KING MAGAZINE

I believe it is priceless,” Peery said. “Like the Science Seminar course; we all moaned and groaned about it — having to do all the projects and presentations. Today, I go and present to clients who spend millions of dollars with CVS. Science Seminar is a minor presentation compared to that, but it was the foundation for some of what I do now. In pharmacy school, we had to do a ton of presentations; students from the state schools had typically not had the opportunity to do presentations in front of their peers. Science Seminar got us out of our comfort zones; the experience was invaluable.”

“Thinking back on the small, liberal arts education, I believe it is priceless,” Peery said. “Like the Science Seminar course; we all moaned and groaned about it—having to do all the projects and presentations. Today, I go and present to clients who spend millions of dollars with CVS.”

King University’s tradition of a Christian-based education also made an impact on Peery. “I think what motivated our professors, always to be willing to go above and beyond, was their Christian faith,” she said.

“You knew if a professor said, ‘I’m going to pray for you before your interview,’ that they would indeed pray for you. There were also professors who, before a big test, would stop and lead the class in prayer. Having that faith at King was definitely reassuring.”

While in school at both King and ACP, Peery worked with CVS Pharmacy; she continues to work there today.

She began at CVS as a technician working at the Bristol, Virginia (Valley Drive) and Bristol, Tennessee (Volunteer Parkway) stores. Upon graduation from ACP, she became a staff pharmacist with CVS. Since that time, she has risen through the ranks to become pharmacy manager, then pharmacy supervisor. Currently, she is a clinical advisor with Caremark, a division of CVS. “At one point, I oversaw the pharmacy portion for all 23 stores in the Tri-Cities — from Erwin, Tennessee, up to Norton and Marion in Virginia, and all the stores in between,” Peery said. “Several pharmacists who worked for me were King grads. I always knew when I walked in I could count on those King grads to never let me down.”

Every chance she gets, Peery shares with future pharmacy students the importance of gaining real-world experience in a pharmacy setting. “I tell students you learn more in the world of pharmacy on the job than you do in the classroom,” she said. “Yes, you learn a great deal in the classroom, but, whether it is a hospital pharmacy or retail pharmacy, you learn drug names and people skills not typically taught in school. Anytime you are in the medical or pharmaceutical fields, there is a lot of emotion involved. Working with different pharmacists and dealing with different types of people is an invaluable experience.”

In 2015, Peery married Travis Sandlant of Australia.

Formerly a tennis coach for East Tennessee State University, Sandlant accepted a position as the head tennis coach for Division I Stetson University, which led the couple to pick up stakes from Johnson City, Tennessee, in 2017, and move to DeLand, Florida.

“Stetson, being a small private school, reminded me of King,” Peery commented. “When Travis got the job with Stetson, I checked to see what was available through CVS in Florida. That is one of the good things about working for such a large company. I did some work

with Eastman in the Tri-Cities when they switched over to Caremark a few years ago. I had the opportunity to interview for a position within Caremark; it’s a workfrom-home position, which was good for me because I could live anywhere, and good because we were moving to Florida.”

As a clinical advisor, Peery works with Caremark’s national account team to help analyze clients’ prescription benefit spending. “I help them to look at it from both the clinical perspective, what’s right for the patient clinically, and utilization management, using possible quantity limits or prior authorizations to help curb unnecessary success,” she said.

“In pharmacy school, we had to do a ton of presentations; students from the state schools had typically not had the opportunity to do presentations in front of their peers.”

“One of the practices recently put in place by my company, that I am most excited about and proud of, is quantity limits on opioids,” Peery added. “Obviously, being from the Appalachian region, [the crisis with] opioids is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been able to visit many of the Tri-Cities’ high schools and talk about prescription drug abuse. This is really a great program and hopefully a little something we can do to help curb some of the prescription drug abuse that we are having in America.”

When asked about her future plans, Peery said, “I have worked for CVS for 12 years now. Part of me wants to go back toward the retail side because I miss the impact I had on direct patient care. That is why I became a pharmacist. I also enjoyed my work as a pharmacy supervisor overseeing multiple pharmacies. That could be in my future. It is funny because I am such a planner. CVS has been very good to me. I’ve always had opportunities pop up when maybe they weren’t expected. For now, I’ll stay where I am, but we will see what God has in store for me in the future.” K FALL 2018 | 27

GIVING BACK – PAYING IT FORWARD FERTILIZER IN ANOTHER FORM

“I still want to do something to honor [those people who helped me] and assist students who might need a little help, as I did.”

—Phyl Snapp ’68

28 | KING MAGAZINE

Whether he is reminiscing about his roots in Southwest Virginia, his time at King College, or breaking down the fine art of customizing fertilizer for local farms, Phyl Snapp ’68 will never deny that he is blessed.

Snapp grew up in the late 40s and 50s in the rural community of Burke’s Garden, Virginia, a valley known to many as “God’s Thumbprint” for its shape and location atop a mountain in Tazewell County. Snapp’s parents owned a 100-plus-acre dairy farm, where he worked from a young age until he left for college, helping his family with milking 60 head of cattle the old-fashioned way. With four family members to assist on the farm, Snapp said each person was tasked with tending to 15 cattle twice a day, every day.

“My parents were instrumental in guiding me,” Snapp said. “My mother wanted me to become a preacher, and King College came recruiting for basketball, so King, being a Christian school, became a great choice on both fronts.

I didn’t want to be a preacher, but I was going to college tuition-free. My parents were happy, and so was I.” In addition to a basketball scholarship provided by King through former head coach Dick Davis, Snapp was required to work on campus in lieu of a portion of his tuition. He spent time working on the golf course, which at that time, was located where King’s main entrance and sports fields now reside, and also assisted with King’s intramural sports. Snapp said he especially enjoyed intramurals, because it gave him the opportunity to spend time with people from a variety of backgrounds.

Between his freshman and sophomore years, Snapp married his wife, Patricia, whom he met while attending Tazewell High School, and moved off campus to reside with his new bride.

At the end of his sophomore year, Snapp’s lack of attention to his studies became apparent when he discovered he was close to failing all of his courses. Jerry Opp, a former business professor at King, took Snapp under his wing.

“I am deeply indebted to Jerry Opp,” Snapp said. “He got me through a rough spot. I could have left school, but with Jerry’s encouragement, I accepted the challenge to do well during my remaining time. I was so blessed to have him as my mentor; I owe him so much.”

Snapp graduated from King in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and business administration.

With a background in farming and his newly obtained business degree, a job at Southern States Cooperative, a

farm-focused retailer, was the perfect fit for Snapp. Over time, he rose through the ranks into management, where he eventually began overseeing his own district based out of Richmond, Virginia.

Although Snapp excelled at his career, he missed his family and the mountains of Southwest Virginia. After talking with brothers and former competitors Allen and Frank Walters, who were looking to either close or expand their business, Snapp decided to return home and partner with them.

The trio initially specialized in supplying feed and fertilizer, and for the following five years, the fertilizer side of the business continued to increase.

“It came to the point where Frank Walters and I took the fertilizer part and made it into a Subchapter S Corporation,” Snapp said. “It became S & W Fertilizer Seed and Chemical Co. Inc. in 1984. My partner stayed for about four years; then I fortunately was able to buy him out. Since then, it has just been me, my wife, and my son, Bradley. I give them all the credit. We are so blessed. We have been at the right place at the right time for a lot of things to happen.”

Today, Snapp continues to assist local farmers with their fertilizing needs. Located in Wytheville, Virginia, the company operates out of a humble structure with a lot of character. Top-quality vegetable seed and other farming necessities are available at the store, some of which you can’t find on the shelves at national retailers.

For 34 years, Snapp and his family have customized fertilizer for small farms within a 30-mile radius of the business.

“We specialize in the custom application of fertilizer for farm land, as well as the custom application of herbicides and insecticides combined with liquid nitrogen when farmers do their corn,” Snapp said. “We interpret the soil samples provided by local farmers, then customize the chemical makeup of the fertilizer to perfectly suit their soil needs.”

As a tribute to King, Snapp has included the university in his estate planning.

“It didn’t cost me anything to go to King,” he said.

“Every year, I try to help the basketball team a little bit.

I want to do something for all those people who helped me; they may not be [at King] now, but I still want to do something to honor them and assist students who might need a little help, as I did.”

When asked what advice he would give to current and future King students, Snapp said, “Just be happy in what you are doing. If you aren’t happy, do something else.” K FALL 2018 | 29

DeFriece Place and Dining Hall Get Makeovers King University’s Office of Admissions, housed in the Pauline Massengill DeFriece Place, and the Dining Hall, located in Maclellan Hall, both received makeovers last summer. Renovations to both facilities have been well received by King and members of the University community.

“The recent updates have helped us welcome visitors in a more modern and comfortable setting,” said Tom VerDow, director of Undergraduate Recruitment.

Updates to the Office of Admissions focused on the main level of the house and incorporated a new, spacious entryway, complete with a reception room, conference room, and lounge area. The back porch was also refurbished.

“We are thrilled with the renovations,” said Jon Harr, ’87, interim vice president of Enrollment Management.

“The new space provides a more inviting environment for visiting students and their families. The renovation also enhances the initial overall experience for every visitor.”

In Maclellan Hall, the Dining Hall now has an open and bright look, with updated flooring and soft seating areas.

“The structure of the seating is different than in years past — we now have some two-top, four-top, and six-top tables,” said Angel Edwards, director of Food Services for King’s Dining and Catering Services. “The changes

have been well received, and we would love for anyone who has not experienced the new makeover to come by for a visit and a bite to eat.”

“The new renovations created a completely different atmosphere when you walk into the Dining Hall,” said Katie Tinsley, ’18 a recent graduate who majored in interdisciplinary studies, with concentrations in athletic training and exercise science. “From the furniture updates and the new decorations to the sound-blocking bar on the ceiling — it honestly feels like a completely different place where college students can not only enjoy eating, but also lounging in-between classes. The updates are definitely loved.”

“The beautiful new renovations have been a great infusion of energy to our strong group of attendees at our monthly Business Briefing Breakfasts,” said Beth Rhinehart, ’07, president and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. “The partnership that we share with King for our Friday breakfasts and other events will continue to flourish when our partners make these investments. They are good for our business community, as well as the students who enjoy the facility every day.”

During Dogwood Homecoming Weekend, alumni and friends experienced a noticeable enhancement to the class banners which previously hung throughout the Dining Hall. They had the privilege to be among the first guests to view the collection of banners via a new digital

Multiple guests and dignitaries assisted President Whitaker with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated Dining Hall, located on the main floor of Maclellan Hall.

30 | KING MAGAZINE

kiosk. The kiosk is located in the Maclellan Hall lobby, where guests can view the collection of banners created over the decades. The kiosk is available daily for viewing.

Sydney Anderson, ’68, and his wife, Louise, reminisced as they watched the banners scroll across the newly installed kiosk in the foyer of Maclellan Hall.

Sydney noted his father, George, taught Bible and served as the Dean of Students at King College for 18 years.

The family also lived on campus during that period. “My class had its 50th reunion [during Dogwood],” Sydney said. “This [kiosk] is wonderful. It is informative and eye-catching and brings back many memories.” K

Renovations to DeFriece Place (above) and the Dining Hall (below).

FALL 2018 | 31

KING’S ABINGDON CAMPUS FEATURES NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART NURSING SKILLS LAB Family Nurse Practitioner students studying at King’s Abingdon location at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) now have access to their own state-of-the-art advanced assessment skills lab.

“We are extremely excited about the assessment lab,” said Tracy Slemp, DNP, MSN, APN, FNP-BC, Dean of King’s School of Nursing. “This project shows SVHEC’s commitment to our program and to health care in our region. The Higher Ed Center provided 100 percent of the funding for the skills lab, including all the equipment we asked for, plus some we did not. They installed all the new equipment and let us customize the area to our specific needs.

“The caliber of students we can produce for the community is great,” Slemp said. “We are in the process of updating our other assessment labs, and the Abingdon skills lab is our model for what our other labs will emulate when complete.”

In addition to purchasing the exam tables the nursing program requested, SVHEC included clinical practice assessment models used for learning advanced examination techniques in the lab.

This project was made a reality with the help of SVHEC 32 | KING MAGAZINE

Executive Director David Matlock. “When we were first approached about having the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the Higher Ed Center, we knew the nursing students would need a place to practice clinical skills,” Matlock said. “With our partnership with King University, I wanted to make sure King had the best clinical lab space in their system. This is not only an investment in King University and our partnership, but also in the citizens of Southwest Virginia and the region in which we serve. I’m looking forward to continuing the work with King to see what we can accomplish next. We keep raising the bar — we keep chasing excellence.”

Having just completed their third cohort, the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program continues to thrive with the addition of the new facility.

“The lab has had a positive impact on this being a onestop shop for our advanced practice nurses,” said Ashley Hartless, interim director of Enrollment Management for Graduate and Professional Studies at King. “You can come to Abingdon for your classes and utilize a top-quality lab located in the same space. Students do not have to worry about traveling to another campus; everything is in house at the Higher Ed Center.” K

FACULTY/S TAFF NOTES

Dr. Simeon Pickard named Burke Professor in Natural Sciences Simeon Taylor Pickard, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, has been named the 2018 Dr. Edward W. Burke Jr. Professor in Natural Sciences.

“Dr. Pickard was chosen by a committee of his peers who recognize Simeon as someone fully dedicated to the mission and vision of King, and more importantly, as a professor who is absolutely committed to the transformation and success of students,” said Matt Roberts, Ed.D., vice president for Academic Affairs.

“In the manner of Dr. Burke, who tirelessly gave his time, energy, and resources to King, Dr. Pickard has provided expert and essential service to King. He not only teaches his students chemistry, but he also prays for them and their success,” Roberts said. “He can be found every day at lunch in the dining hall eating with students, faculty, or staff, and he welcomes anyone to join him. Good teaching is his passion, and interacting with students gives him great joy and satisfaction.”

Founded in 2014, the Professor in Natural Sciences role memorializes the lasting achievements of Burke, a longtime faculty member and acclaimed physicist and astronomer, and honors the commitment of a natural sciences faculty member who continues in the same tradition of excellence in teaching, advising, and scholarship.

“Dr. Burke was a friend of mine,” said Pickard, who serves as chairman of the Department of Chemistry.

“We ate lunch together once a week, almost every week, for 15 or 16 years. The award is designed to promote student participation, advancement, and progress in the natural sciences, and is particularly focused on student research. It is an honor, and a great way to perpetuate

King Social Show your King spirit with #KingUniversity and #KingPride.

Dr. Simeon Pickard B.S. Biology and Chemistry, M.S. Chemistry; Western Kentucky University Ph.D. Organic Chemistry; Vanderbilt University Post-doctoral teaching and research, University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne

his memory. I plan to sit down with the science faculty to determine the best way to use the award to promote student research.”

Pickard earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry, along with a Master of Science in chemistry from Western Kentucky University. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in organic chemistry at Vanderbilt University in 1991. After a year of post-doctoral teaching and research at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampagne, he joined King in 1992.

In 1997, Pickard became chair of the Department of Chemistry and quickly developed a reputation for mentoring junior professors. He describes himself as a dream enabler, working with students in both general and organic chemistry. His goal is to always help students discover their true identities and what they want to pursue — whether a career in science, a health profession, or another calling.

Pickard is an active member of Woodlawn Baptist Church, where he serves as treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and chairman of the Board of Deacons. K

facebook.com/KingUniversity

instagram.com/kinguniversity

twitter.com/KingUnivBristol

snapchat.com/kinguniversity

FALL 2018 | 33

FACULTY/STAFF NOTES, continued Micah Crews ’98, ’03, associate vice president for Advancement Services, published his first book, “Grass Drills and Grease Paint: Developing the Fundamentals of Christian Life” in February 2018.

Dr. Martin Dotterweich, associate professor of History and chair of the Department of History and Political Science, --Served as a guest speaker on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at Asbury University’s Chapel and the Department of Christian Studies and Philosophy in Wilmore, Kentucky; Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Johnson City, Tennessee; Concordia Lutheran Church in Kingsport, Tennessee; and at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

--Spoke about “Martin Luther and the 95 Theses,” for a six part series for the Tazewell Presbyterian Church in Tazewell, Virginia.

--Completed a six-part series, “The History of the Book,” for the College for Older Adults in Abingdon, Virginia.

--Won a John B. Stephenson Fellowship for “The Dark Places of the Text: Marginal Notes in English Bibles 1525-1560” from the Appalachian College Association in spring 2018.

--Received a Lindsay Young Visiting Faculty Fellowship from the Marco Institute for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, University of Tennessee.

David Hicks, athletic director, completed an IRONMAN competition in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 27, 2017, alongside King alumni Mark Hode ’14, Danny McBride ’10, ’13, Colby Childress ’13, ’14, and Nathan Vannoy ’14.

34 | KING MAGAZINE

Dr. Erin M. Kingsley, assistant professor of English, published an article, “’In a center of a circle:’ Olive Moore’s Spleen and Gestational Immigration,” in the inaugural issue of “Feminist Modernist Studies.” In January 2018, Kingsley presented “Beyond the Essay: App-Smashing in the Humanities Classroom” at the inaugural Conference on High-Impact Instructional Practices at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. In February 2018, she presented “Fits and Misfits: Unruly Modernism, Gestational Deviance” on Literature and Culture Since 1900 in Louisville, Kentucky. At the conference, she also chaired three panels, including a panel on “Modernism and the ‘Stuff’ of Life” that she created as a representative of the new Feminist (inter) Modernist Association. Kingsley led a trip with students to England, Scotland, and Ireland in May 2018.

Dr. Amy Knowles, associate professor of Nursing, presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research conference in Dublin, Ireland, in July 2017. The research, “Participatory Rural Appraisal for Community Assessment of Health Needs in Rural Haiti Village,” was conducted in Haiti by Knowles and Dr. Penelope Neal.

Dr. Penelope Neal, associate professor of Nursing and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration coordinator, passed the pediatric mental health national certification exam.

She is now dual certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist.

Courtney Meyer Plaisted, graphic designer, and husband, Justin, welcomed son Russell James Plaisted on February 3, 2018. He was 9 pounds 7 ounces and 21 ½ inches long.

Dr. Xanshunta L. Polk, assistant professor of Business, presented “Marketing: The Key to Successful Teaching and Learning” at the Society for Advancement of Management’s International Business Conference in March 2018 in Arlington, Virginia. The presentation focused on the use of the AIDA (attention, interest, desire, and action) model in educational settings.

Dr. Andrea Robertson, associate professor of Nursing, was awarded the Doctor of Health Education degree on December 17, 2017, from A.T. Still University.

Joe Strickland, assistant professor of Photography and Digital Media and Digital Media and Design program coordinator, held an exhibition of his work at Northeast State Community College in Blountville, Tennessee, January-February 2018.

Images from Strickland’s newest series, “Ghosts: A Look at Manufacturing in America,” were featured in the April 2018 issue of Edge of Faith Magazine. One of Strickland’s photographs from his “Ghosts” series was included in an exhibition at the Millepiani Gallery space in Rome, Italy, in May 2018. The exhibition, called “Absences” and was presented by the organization LoosenArt. Dr. Kelly Vaughan, chair and assistant professor of Biology, took 10 science students (seven presented their own research) to the Ninth Annual Undergraduate Research Conference at the Interface of Biology and Mathematics at University of Tennessee, Knoxville in November 2017. In March 2018, Vaughan, and students Ashley Reynolds ’18 and Sonia Kennedy ’18, attended the Undergraduate Diversity Program at the Society of Toxicology national meeting in San Antonio, Texas. In May 2018, Vaughan attended the Jackson Laboratory Genomics Big Data Training for Professors in Bar Harbor, Maine.

The program is funded by the NIH Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) Initiative.

Dr. Donna Watson, dean of King’s School of Education, published her essay, “Teaching: The Best Profession” in Capital Connections. In November 2017, Bluefield College, in Bluefield, Virginia, named an award for Watson - Watson Alumni Award. Previously, Watson was Professor and Dean of the School of Education at Bluefield College for 21 years.

In Loving and Grateful Memory

Neal Caldwell ’51 It is impossible to tell the modern-day story of King University without speaking of Neal Caldwell (1932–2018). A devoted supporter of King and a member of the Board of Trustees for more than a quarter century, Neal passed away July 26, 2018, at the age of 85. His kind presence, steadfast heart, and robust love for the arts and sciences are only a few of the numerous gifts he shared with the University throughout his life.

Neal was founder of and chairman of the board for Dalen Products, Inc., a Knoxville-based manufacturer of lawn and garden products. He held the patents for many of the products he sold, allowing him to combine his skill for design with his love of gardening.

In addition to being a successful engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur, the record of philanthropy he shares with his wife, Alice (Morrow) Caldwell ’51, is most noteworthy.

King is the proud recipient of the Neal and Alice Caldwell Art Collection, which includes pieces by artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt, and Matisse.

Throughout his service to King, Neal worked on numerous committees and special initiatives, most recently serving as chair of the Advancement Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. He also served as a member of the President Search Committee throughout 2015 and 2016. In 2005, King awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

In addition to Alice, Neal is survived by son David ’78, daughter Laura Sansbury ’84, and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Ellen Hagler.

Dalen Products’ Great Horned Owl, developed and patented by Neal Caldwell, keeps watch over beloved gardens throughout the nation and around the world.

1932–2018

Neal Caldwell, with his wife Alice (Morrow) Caldwell ’51, at the 2015 opening of the “Schools of Thought” exhibit at the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon. The exhibit was a collection of some of the paintings Neal purchased for King University.

Martin Dotterweich, Director of the King Institute for Faith and Culture, associate professor of history, and a longtime friend of the Caldwells, shared a few of his central memories about the way Neal modeled a vital sense of curiosity and a love of lifelong learning, two attributes central to King’s legacy and vision.

My early memories of Neal — indeed, all my memories of Neal — involve conversation.

From my youth, I knew Neal and his wife, Alice, as friends of my parents. We would meet for dinner occasionally or have them over to our home. For the most part, I was like any kid, uninterested in the goingson of the adults, but with Neal it was different — he invited me into conversations about things that were interesting, exciting, and vital, and showed me how to talk about them.

I remember talking with him about his inventions, politics, theology, the relationship between science and faith, art, opera, and his quest for clean water for Africa.

And every one of those conversations was marked by his love of the subject, his learning, and by the absence of any condescension toward me. Neal showed me, by example, how an active mind could pursue many things, how a cultivated soul could love many things, and how a vibrant faith could engage the world.

continues on page 36 FALL 2018 | 35

In Loving and Grateful Memory Neal

Caldwell,

We spoke often about the dance between scientific knowledge and theology, the ways in which openness to all truth as God’s truth opened up the study of the world, and the ways in which that study enriched faith in the Creator. We spoke about his love for Frederica von Stade, the soprano he adored and whom he delighted in having met. We spoke about the water filtration he hoped would bring health to vast populations across the world. In later years, we spoke often about his art collection, as I came to work at the little college to which he gave so many pieces.

One of my favorite memories of Neal is of being given an art tour of the beautiful home he and Alice shared. To see his animation, his pure joy, in showing the paintings he studied daily was to see a mind transformed by beauty.

In fact, an appreciation for beauty lay at the foundation of Neal’s success in business: the beauty of Alice’s gardens. As she brought so much growth from the soil in front of their Williamsburg-style house, he invented the owls, the dropcloth, the inflatable snakes, the netting to make it flourish. And he cultivated his mind as a garden, tilling deep to find truth, planting seeds of many varieties, fertilizing them with immense reading, and delighting in their fruits — and sharing those fruits with others, like me.

The conversations never changed; in my forties, when

continued

I would see him at Board dinners for King, or when we worked together on the search committee for a new president, we kept talking about matters of culture and faith with vigor and enthusiasm, when I had finally become a better conversation partner for him.

He did have an unfair advantage, of course; as he once told an interviewer, he had 70,000 extra hours to read and think, thanks to his sleeping only four hours a night.

Thanks to my education and my profession, I have had many years of conversations like those I enjoyed with Neal. Most of those fade into happy but indistinct memories for me, but Neal’s stand out: they were among the first, and they continued for four decades.

On the day he passed away, I know that it would have given him pleasure to see me addressing a group of people from King and the Bristol community about joyously applying our minds to the intersections of faith and culture. We remembered him at this event, sharing stories of his mind, his generosity, his loves. And through those memories, it was clear that we loved him.

My last email interaction with Neal was to introduce him to the work of a scientist I have invited to King to speak next year, addressing the intersections of science and faith, and the beauty of creation. I hope he saw, in my enthusiasm, the reflection of his own cultivated mind, and my great appreciation for him.

—Martin Dotterweich

O T H E R S TA F F A N D FAC U LT Y PA S S I N G S Annie Ellen “Nelle” McCall Fraser February 20, 2017 Annie Ellen "Nelle" McCall Fraser passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 20, 2017. She was married to the late Colonel Powell Alexander Fraser, the 16th President of King College. He served as President from 1969 to 1977. Colonel and Mrs. Fraser are survived by their two children, Captain Powell Alexander Fraser Jr. and Mary Eloise Fraser Shepherd, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Fraser family at Colonel Powell Alexander Fraser’s inauguration in 1970.

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B. Ray Thompson Jr., former trustee, June 29, 2017

Dr. Finley Eugene “Gene” McFarlane ’63, former trustee, March 15, 2018

Nancy Maclellan, wife of former board chair, Hugh O. Maclellan Jr., May 21, 2017

CLASS NOTES Unsung Melodies, by Joy Noel Ashley and Jeremiah Caleb

1950s Rosemary H. Enos ’57 was honored at the March meeting of the North Carolina Reading Association with an annual scholarship in her name. Enos served the NCRA in many leadership roles for more than 20 years. Her late husband, Jerry ’57, encouraged her, became her chauffeur, and carried the load of books she considered important to encourage wider reading.

Weston Brown Guthrie ’59 and wife, Pat Hall Guthrie ’60, served as educational missionaries to Brazil from 1968-1971. In 1973, Weston entered Union Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1976. He served approximately 30 years in the Presbyterian ministry, retiring in 1997, but continuing to supply pulpits until his stroke in 2010. He served churches in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Weston recently entered a nursing home and continues to share his faith with those who visit him. Pat has recently published two books. The first, published in 2010, is a Christian historical fiction told through time travel. “Ten in Time, Constantinople 1453” tells school-aged children from grades 3-7 the fascinating story of the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Turks led by Mohammed II. Pat’s second book, “Jesse Hodge, A Story of Redemption,” published in 2016, tells the story of a young man with erroneous views of God brought on through his hypocritical father’s treatment of him when he was a child. This story of redemption shows the pursuing grace of God.

1960s Jim Casada ’64, avid fly fisherman, was inducted in the Southern Trout Magazine “Legends of the Fly” Hall of Fame at The Fly Show in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 2, 2018.

2

1

1970s

Joseph Slane ’77 retired in January 2017 after serving as pastor for Southminister Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, for 29 years. In February 2017, he married Beverly Brasell. They live in Birmingham.

Cylk Cozart ’79 was honored by the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s College of Communication and Information with the 2018 CCI Diversity Award during the school’s 10th Annual Experience Diversity Banquet in February 2018. An actor with more than 30 films and 20 television shows to his credit, Cozart supports numerous charities, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He is the co-founder of Cure4Hunger and serves as its CEO and co-chairman.

3

2000s Jeremiah Caleb ’02 released his latest book in October 2017, “Unsung Melodies: The Poetic Musings and Artistic Expressions of Joy Noel Ashley,” co-authored with the late Joy Noel Ashley.

1

Luis ’05 and Kristen Childs Rodriguez ’04 completed graduate degrees from Liberty University in 2008. Luis has worked in corporate banking since 2009 and recently received a job promotion to Commercial Underwriting Supervisor at Union Bank. They live with their five children outside Lynchburg, Virginia. 2 Ruth Anne Crews Nelson ’06 released the third book of her trilogy. “The Gatekeeper” series began as an honors project during her senior year at King.

The new book, “The Gatekeeper III: The Keeping,” was published in October 2017. She also released her first book of poetry in April 2018, titled, “Songs in the Gate: Poems from the Borderland of Now and Not Yet.” She currently lives in New England with her husband and their dog. 3 Dan Curry ’07, Christian pop artist out of Lebanon, Virginia, received 2nd place with “Rend the Heavens” in 2016, and in 2017, 1st place with his song “Breakout,” both from his EP #IAMFREE in the 2016 Richard Leigh Songwriters Festival Contest.

We would love to

hear from you!

Send updates to: Denise Asbury at dasbury@king.edu

FALL 2018 | 37

CL ASS NOTES

2000s

(co nt . )

(c ont . )

Jonathan Jordan ’10, and his wife, Hope, welcomed their son, Jace, on March 15, 2018.

He weighed 11 pounds, 4 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Benson Redman ’11 and his wife, Katherine, welcomed son, James Preston, on April 17, 2018. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19 inches long.

Curtis ’12 and Johanna Gabriela Montgomery ’10 were named the 2018 Tri-Cities Appalachian Ambassador family for the March of Dimes. Now healthy and vibrant, their son, Paul Alexander, was born at 30 weeks and 2 days in March 2017.

Andy ’11 and Glory Allison Cumbow ’13 live in Atlanta, Georgia. Andy graduated from Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music with a Master of Music in Choral Conducting in 2016.

He has been serving as a middle school choir director. Glory will graduate this year from Columbia Theological Seminary with her Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology. She is seeking her first ordained call as a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In May, “Book of Common Worship” was released, which includes a prayer written by Glory for Baptism services.

Brandon Malloy Patterson ’15 has been named the pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.

4

Jesse ’15 and Lisa Drudy Thomas ’12 welcomed a baby boy on May 6, 2017. London Alexander Thomas weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. Daughter Valencia loves her new role of big sister. Jesse graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May with his Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs. 4 Joanna Jordan Frazier ’15 and husband, Jon, King University security officer, welcomed their daughter, Ireland, on January 24, 2018. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

Tommie Loudy ’16, a health sciences instructor at Cherokee High School, was honored by the Southeastern Conference on the pre-game show, SEC Nation, as part of their Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.

38 | KING MAGAZINE

This Is Our Story King’s alumni office held its first Valentine contest in spring 2018 called This is Our Story. Married alumni couples were asked to go to King’s Facebook page and describe how they met on campus. A winner was then chosen at random to receive a King prize pack. Dana McMurray ’12, ’16, former director of Alumni Relations, said, “With 20 entries from the classes of 1960 to 2015, the contest was a huge success. Thanks to everyone for sharing your sweet story with us on how you met your valentine at King.”

The winners were Will ’97 and Amanda Necessary Hankins ’98!

Here is their story: “Amanda and I sang in symphonic Amanda Necessary Hankins ’98 choir and performed in plays and and Will Hankins ’97. musicals together, but we really got to know each other in Man and the Arts class in the fall of 1995.

It was taught by Pat Flannagan ’74, Penny Mattice, and Dan Bowell.

That class was really challenging, but also spectacular (and not just because I met my hot wife). Amanda and I went on our first date the following January. And, even though by March I had pretty much figured out I wanted to marry Amanda, I waited until the next January to ask her. We got engaged on the stage in Memorial Chapel, and that’s also where we were married in August of 1998,” said Will.

The Office of Alumni Relations, in collaboration with King’s Twin City Radio Theatre Troupe, also held a Valentine’s Celebration on February 16. Forty-two faculty, staff, alumni, and community members were in attendance. “In addition to a candlelight dinner, attendees enjoyed hearing from alumnus Pete Holler ’67, who shared fond memories of when he courted his bride of 50 years, Ann Holler ’68, retired faculty member, during their time at King College,” said McMurray.

“Following dinner, King’s Theatre Department presented a double-feature production that included, ‘Haunt Me A House’ and Edgar Allen Poe’s Pete ’67 and Anne Holler ’68.

‘The Black Cat.’”

In Remembrance King King Seal Seal ALUMNI Through the KingKING SealYears Through the Years Through the PASSINGS Years

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1938 1938

1946 1946

Commencement Program Commencement Program

Yearbook Yearbook

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Maxine E. Neel ’41 October 21, 2017

Justino Luna Urena ’60 January 29, 2018

Dr. James Frazier Van Dyke ’49 January 17, 2018

Sandor L. Lehoczky ’61 April 7, 2018

Robert L. Stevenson ’50 March 5, 2015

Dr. Jim Geiger ’62 February 19, 2018

Donald S. Coffey ’55 November 9, 2017

Rev. Clarence Chaun Liang ’62 November 7, 2017

Bennett L. Harless ’52 February 11, 2018

Judith Webb Franklin ’63 March 10, 2018

Leslie Forsythe Wilson Summerford ’57 August 25, 2017

Christopher C. Crusenberry ’65 April 4, 2017

Dr. Gerlad T. Davis ’54 November 17, 2017 Ralph M. Dillow Jr. ’56 October 15, 2016

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Rev. James B. Moore ’57 November 10, 2017 Robert “Bob” E. Sanford ’57 February 9, 2018 Linda Ann Broce Hopkins ’59 August 2, 2017 Roberta Moore ’58 March 31, 2018

1961 1961

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Yearbook Inside Yearbook Inside

Current Current

1961of the King seal, A history Current Yearbook Inside 1938 to today.

Tornado Athletics celebrates 100%

Rev. Dr. Zolton J. Phillips III ’59 May 10, 2017

Charles “Ronnie” Leonard ’68 April 16, 2017 Major Carroll Wayne Street ’68 July 19, 2017 Karen Lee Hahn ’73 April 3, 2017 Jennie Hodges Rutherford ’75 January 6, 2018 David Blane Baker ’84 October 17, 2017 Janet S. Leonard ’10 January 7, 2017 Jo “Joy” A. Huber ’15 December 13, 2017

Helen Williford Outlaw ’60 August 28, 2017

King’s Tornado Athletics recently accepted a University fundraising challenge and achieved a 100 percent giving rate among all full-time staff.

FALL 2018 | 39

NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MWI 1 3 5 0 Ki ng C ol l ege R oad B r is t ol , Tennes s ee 37620 a lu mn i .k i ng.edu

Save the date

Including Special Anniversary Reunions for Class of 1969 • 50 years | Class of 1994 • 25 years and classes of '74, '79, '84, '89, '94, '99, '04, '09, and '14

Contact Dawn McMurray at 423.652.4864 or dmcmurray@king.edu if you have questions or need more information. See you at Dogwood!